Energy

Investigating pathways to a low carbon society from technical and social perspectives

Avoiding ‘dangerous’ climate change is likely to require dramatic and rapid reductions in emissions. Energy use is a major source of emissions, as well as an essential underpinning of modern life and economic development. Under the Energy Theme, we are looking at various pathways to achieve drastic emission reductions from changed energy practices, explicitly considering both social and technical aspects of energy supply, distribution and use.

The Tyndall Energy team brings together scientists, social scientists, engineers and economists to conduct interdisciplinary and policy relevant research. Projects range from high level emissions budget analysis across different geographic and temporal scales to detailed case studies of particular low carbon technologies and behaviours. All of the projects in this theme maintain policy relevance as a key objective. Our research is funded through a diverse range of sources and researchers from the group are regular contributors to Parliamentary Select Committees and Government consultations as well as print, radio and television media. 

There can be up to 30 researchers associated with the Tyndall Energy theme at any one time, depending upon projects in our portfolio. Current and recent research projects cover a range of topic areas including: emissions pathways work at a range of scales (e.g.  Wales, UK, Russia, EU and China) , low carbon innovation and development, aviation policy, biomass and biofuels, carbon capture and storage, marine renewables, personal  transport policy, freight, shipping, food supply chains, nuclear energy, personal carbon allowances, industrial heat, carbon trading and carbon labelling.  

Theme Co-ordinators: Adrian Smith, Carly Mclachlan

See below for a list of the Theme's current projects: